Frequently Asked Questions

  • At NOVA Pediatric Airway & Myofunctional Therapy, we take a holistic, child-focused approach designed to create lasting functional change. Our services include:

    Comprehensive Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

    Through gentle, personalized exercises, we help children:

    • Strengthen oral and facial muscles

    • Encourage nasal breathing and proper airway function

    • Develop healthy tongue posture and lip seal

    • Improve chewing and swallowing patterns

    ✨ Myofunctional therapy can also help prevent orthodontic relapse or the need for additional procedures by addressing the root cause of dysfunction.

    Pre- & Post-Frenectomy Support

    For children who need a frenectomy, our 8-session program (four before and four after the release) helps prepare the muscles, support healing, and achieve the best possible long-term results.

    Habit Elimination Program — Two Thumbs Up!

    Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and nail biting can impact oral development. Our 30-day habit elimination program uses positive reinforcement and fun motivation to help children break these habits—often in as little as 10 days!

    Effective for:

    • Thumb, finger, or tongue sucking

    • Nail biting or finger picking

    • Tongue thrusting

  • Myofunctional therapy is still an emerging field, and most insurance companies do not yet provide full coverage. Our therapists are not in-network with any insurance providers.

    We can provide a Superbill once therapy has begun, which you may submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement.
    Please note:

    • Superbills cannot be provided after each individual session or after the initial evaluation.

    • You must show that therapy has been completed or is ongoing to request reimbursement.

    We’re happy to help guide you through the process and provide any documentation your insurer may require

  • An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder occurs when the lips, tongue, or jaw rest or move in an abnormal way during breathing, swallowing, or speech. These imbalances can affect facial growth, airway function, and overall health.

    Proper orofacial development depends on the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, lips gently closed, and air moving through the nose. When this pattern is disrupted—such as when a child mouth breathes or pushes the tongue forward when swallowing—it can lead to changes in jaw development, an elongated face, poor sleep, and even airway obstruction.

  • Children (and adults) with OMDs may experience one or more of the following:

    • Poor sleep or chronic fatigue

    • Mouth breathing or snoring

    • Jaw clenching or grinding

    • TMJ pain

    • Neck and back pain

    • Poor posture

    • Frequent colds or sinus infections

    • Dental decay or gum disease

    • Teeth movement after braces

    • Facial asymmetry

    • Anxiety, irritability, or brain fog

    • Acid reflux (heartburn) or gas

    • Chronic allergies or congestion

    • Bed wetting

    • ADHD-like symptoms

    • Depression or low energy

  • Mouth breathing can impact many areas of health and development. In addition to dry mouth, bad breath, and poor sleep, it can contribute to:

    • Headaches and facial pain

    • Changes in dental alignment or bite

    • Altered facial growth and appearance

    • Poor posture and body alignment

    • Fatigue and reduced focus during the day

    Encouraging nasal breathing helps improve oxygen intake, supports facial balance, and promotes better sleep and concentration.

  • Our programs are holistic and personalized to meet each child’s needs.

    Initial Visit (60–90 minutes):
    A full intake and comprehensive evaluation of orofacial muscles, cranial nerves, and airway function. A customized treatment plan is provided within a week.

    Therapy Sessions:

    • Weekly visits lasting 30–45 minutes

    • Typical programs include 12 sessions

    • Each session includes new exercises to practice at home

    • Success depends on consistency, family participation, and teamwork

    Our mission is simple: to help children breathe, sleep, and grow better—while building lifelong health.

    1. Improves Breathing (Especially Nasal):
      Promotes proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and reduced airway obstruction.

    2. Supports Better Sleep:
      Reduces snoring and sleep-disordered breathing by improving airway stability.

    3. Stabilizes Orthodontic Results and Facial Growth:
      Encourages balanced jaw development and minimizes orthodontic relapse.

    4. Corrects Tongue Thrust and Swallowing Patterns:
      Retrains tongue movement for healthy, efficient swallowing.

    5. Improves Speech:
      Assists with articulation concerns caused by tongue placement, often complementing speech therapy.

    6. Relieves TMJ and Jaw Tension:
      Promotes relaxed jaw posture and reduces muscle strain.

    7. Encourages Proper Oral and Facial Posture:
      Supports upright head and neck posture with lips gently closed at rest.

    8. Supports Pediatric Development:
      Addresses concerns like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, open-mouth posture, and speech delays.